(San Antonio, Texas)-It was March Madness! Fairfield HS opened the final period leading 49-43 and held on to win its second University Interscholastic League 3A title by defeating three-time state champions, Winnsboro High School at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, winning 60-54.
Down the stretch, the Lady Eagles missed six free throws down with less than one minute to play but the Lady Raiders could not capitalized on their misses. “Those misses scared me,” said head coach Sally Whitaker. Senior McKinna Brackens apologized for her misses but she responded quickly by adding, “that’s why we play defense and our team did a great job.” In all, the Lady Eagles went 5-of-17 from the line.
The Fairfield Lady Eagles wins its second title since 2011 and ended their season with a 40-1 record. The Lady Eagles made it to the state tournament in 2011, 20, 21, and 22, winning state titles in 2020 and now, 2022. “I just don’t know what to say,” says Whitaker. “Winnsboro did a great job. Our community supports us so much and with today’s fan crowd, I don’t think no one is back home.”
This was the Lady Raiders 14th UIL State Tournament appearance as Robert Cochran, head basketball coach ends their season with a 34-6 record. The Lady Raiders made it to the state tournament from 1991, 92, 93, 98, 99, 2000, 01, 04, 05, 07, 08, 11, 20, and 22.
Under legendary head basketball coach Buddy Hawkins, who was a part of the 2020 Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame class, Winnsboro and won three consecutive state titles from 1999-2001.
Fairfield HS senior Breyunna Dowell was named the Class 3A UIL Mist Valuable Player as she scored 20 points with five steals and six rebounds. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)
